Portable oxygen delivery device and method for delivering oxygen to a mobile user

ABSTRACT

A portable oxygen delivery device for increasing the oxygen content in the air inhaled by a user. The device includes solar cells that harvests energy over longer period of time and power instantaneously an electrolysis unit on user-demand for purpose of oxygen refreshment. The oxygen gas produced by the electrolysis unit is conveyed by tubing to an area in the vicinity of the users mouth and nose. The solar cells and the electrolysis unit are integrated in a garment worn by the user.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a portable device for increasing theoxygen content of the air inhaled by a user, in particular a user and adevice that provides high operational autonomy. Further, the inventionrelates to a method of increasing the oxygen content of the air inhaledby a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Increased oxygen supply provides for improved well-being of persons incertain circumstances. Modern lifestyle keeps many people fromsufficient access to fresh air. In particular in highly urbanized areasin which people mainly stay inside may lead to oxygen deficiency forthose concerned. The well-being of these people can be improved byincreasing the amount of oxygen in the air that they inhale.

Portable oxygen dispensing systems are known, for example in the form ofcompressed enriched air bottles. However, these bottles are depletedrelatively fast, which leads to a substantially reduced operationalautonomy and leads to substantial operational costs.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

On this background, it is an object of the present invention to provideportable oxygen delivery device that overcomes or at least reduces theproblems indicated above.

In this invention it is proposed to realize autonomous portable oxygendelivery system by utilizing energy of the sunlight illumination (viasolar cells—SC) and natural water to provide oxygen enrichment in thebreathing air.

This object is achieved by providing a portable oxygen delivery devicefor increasing the oxygen content in the air inhaled by a user, thedevice comprising an energy source coupled to an electrolysis unit thatis configured to split water into oxygen gas and hydrogen gas, an oxygendispensing conduit coupled to the electrolysis unit, the conduit beingconfigured to transport the oxygen produced to an area near the usersnose and mouth and the conduit being configured to release the oxygenproduced in the area near the users nose and mouth.

Thus, a portable oxygen delivery device is provided that issubstantially completely autonomous, since sunlight and water are can befreely found almost everywhere.

The energy source may comprise at least one solar cell.

The solar cells may be integrated into a garment. Thus, the oxygendelivery device is comfortable to carry.

Preferably, the solar cells are flexible solar cells. Thus, the deviceis easily integrated in a garment.

The garment can be a jacket, a vest, a cap a belt or a backpack.

The electrolysis unit may comprise a water container with two separategas receiving chambers.

Preferably, each gas receiving chamber has at least one of at least twoof the electrodes of the electrolysis unit.

The container can be an exchangeable cartridge. Thus, the watercontainer is easily exchanged by user when necessary.

The container or cartridge can be of a type that is refillable. Thus,the water container is easily refilled by user when necessary.

Preferably, the electrolysis unit is integrated into a garment, so thatit is easy to carry.

The solar cells and the electrolysis unit may further comprise arechargeable battery or capacitor and the solar cells and theelectrolysis unit can be connected to the battery or capacitor. Thus,the maximum oxygen production capacity is dependent on the maximum poweroutput of the rechargeable battery or capacitor and not limited to theinstantaneous power output of the solar cells, given that the battery orcapacitor is charged.

The solar cells may be substantially permanently connected to thecapacitor or battery for charging the battery or capacitor. Thus, thebattery or capacitor is charged anytime light is available to the solarcells.

The electrolysis unit can be selectively connectable to the battery orcapacitor. Thus, the user can activate and deactivate the oxygenproduction in accordance with his/her needs.

The device may further comprise an electrical connector for allowing theelectrolysis unit and/or battery or capacitor to be connected to anexternal source of electrical power. Thus, the battery can be rechargedquickly if necessary and/or the power for the electrolysis unit issupplied by an external power source.

The dispensing conduit may be connected to the outlet of the gasreceiving chamber that contains one of the anodes of the electrodes.

A filter can be disposed at the outlet, preferably a filter capable ofwithholding water droplets. Thus, it is avoided that water istransported through the dispensing conduit.

The device may further comprise a gas flow regulator adapted to regulatethe flow of oxygen towards the user. Thus, the user can control theamount of oxygen delivered in accordance with his/her needs.

The device may further comprise an oxygen dispensing arm in the upstreamportion of the dispensing conduit. Thus the delivery to the correct areain the vicinity of the user's mouth and nose can be achieved.

The oxygen dispensing arm can be integrated into a body garment. Thus,the oxygen dispensing arm is easily carried.

The oxygen dispensing arm can be integrated into a cap or spectacles.

The dispensing conduit may include flexible tubing between theelectrolysis unit and the oxygen dispensing arm.

The device may further comprise a hydrogen gas release vent coupled tothe gas receiving chamber that contains one of the cathodes of theelectrodes.

The object above is also achieved by providing a method for increasingthe oxygen content in the air inhaled by a user, the method comprisingproviding a portable electrolysis device that is configured to splitwater into oxygen gas and hydrogen gas, collecting the oxygen gas andtransporting it towards an area in the vicinity of the users mouth andnose, and delivering the oxygen gas in the vicinity of the users mouthand nose.

The portable electrolysis device may be solar cell driven.

Preferably, electrolysis device includes a rechargeable battery orcapacitor, and the method may further comprise the step of charging therechargeable battery or capacitor with the solar cells also whenelectrolysis and device is not active.

The electrolysis device may comprise a refillable water container, andthe method may further comprise refilling the water container.

The electrolysis device may comprise a user exchangeable watercartridge, and the method may further comprise exchanging the userexchangeable water cartridge.

The object above can also be obtained by a providing mobile devicecomprising a controller, the mobile device being provided with aninterface for connecting to a portable oxygen delivery device and themobile device being configured for controlling the operation of aportable oxygen delivery device.

The mobile device may be configured to start and stop the oxygenproduction process in the portable oxygen delivery device.

The mobile device may be configured to start and stop the stop theoxygen production process in accordance with the status of the mobiledevice.

The mobile device may be provided with sensors for providing real timemeasurements, and configured to start and stop the oxygen productionprocess in accordance with the result of the real time measurements.

The real time measurements may include one or more of place, ambient airquality, ambient air pollution level, ambient air oxygen level,temperature, ambient air pressure, altitude, user heart rate and userbreathing rate.

The status of the mobile device may change through the receipt of amessage or command string from a remote service or device.

The message or command string may be received from a remote device or aremote service.

The mobile device may be a communication device.

The object above may also be achieved by providing a use of a mobileelectronic device that comprises a rechargeable battery to power aportable oxygen delivery device.

The object above may also be achieved by providing a use of a mobileelectronic device to control the operation of a portable oxygen deliverydevice.

Further objects, features, advantages and properties of the mobilebattery charging device and method of according to the invention willbecome apparent from the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed portion of the present description, theinvention will be explained in more detail with reference to theexemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the general architecture of aportable oxygen delivery device according to an embodiment of theinvention,

FIG. 2 is perspective view of a portable oxygen delivery deviceaccording to an embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the portable oxygen delivery deviceaccording to FIG. 2,

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a portable oxygen deliverydevice according to an embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 5 is a perspective front view of another portion of the portableoxygen delivery device according to FIG. 4,

FIG. 6 is a perspective rear view of another portion of the portableoxygen delivery device according to FIG. 4,

FIG. 7 illustrates a detail of the oxygen delivery device according toFIGS. 5 and 6,

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method according to the invention,

FIG. 9 is a front view of a mobile device according to an embodiment ofthe invention, and

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic block diagram of the mobile device accordingto FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description, the autonomous portable oxygendelivery device according to the invention will be described by thepreferred embodiments.

The basic design of the portable oxygen delivery device includes:

-   -   Flexible (or rigid) solar cells integrated into portable forms        such as cap, vest, jacket or a strip like garments,    -   A water container or cartridge (exchangeable) with two separate        chambers (for Oxygen/Hydrogen generation) and built-in        electrodes (the electrode may be formed by interior coating of        the chamber surface by carbon or metal),    -   An oxygen dispersing arm for delivery of the produced under        nose/mouth.

According to embodiments the portable oxygen delivery device may alsoinclude an alternative electric connector to/from an external electronicdevice, such as to the battery of a mobile phone, and

-   -   A gas flow regulator.

Electrolysis of water is an electrolytic process which decomposes waterinto oxygen (O2) and hydrogen (H2) gas with the aid of an electriccurrent. The electrolysis cell consists of two electrodes (usuallycarbon conductive traces or an inert metal layer) connected to oppositepoles of a source of direct current. The energy efficiency of theelectrolysis is relatively high (approximately 95%).

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the portable oxygen delivery deviceaccording to an embodiment of the invention. The device includes a watercontainer 10 but is at least partially filled with water and divided bya separation wall 11 into two chambers. An anode 12 is received inchamber 14 and at least partially immersed in the water in chamber 14.The upper part of the chamber 14 receives that hydrogen gas that isproduced during the electrolysis process. A cathode 13 is received inchamber 15 and at least partially immersed in the water in chamber 15.The upper part of chamber 15 receives the oxygen gas that is producedduring the electrolysis process.

The anode 12 and the cathode 13 are electrically connected to one moresolar cells 22 and a rechargeable battery or capacitor 23 via acontroller 16. The controller 16 controls the flow of electricity(direct current) from the solar cells 22 to the rechargeable battery andfrom the battery 23 to the anode 12 and cathode 13, respectively. Thecontroller 16 is configured to use the electricity produced by the solarcells to charge the battery at any time, i.e. the solar cells chargedthe rechargeable battery 23 per default. The activation of theelectrolysis process is controlled by the controller 16 by selectivelyconnecting and disconnecting the electrodes 12,13 to the rechargeablebattery 23. The controller receives its instructions from the user via auser interface 17. The user interface 17 may consist of a keypad,switches, or any other user input means.

The controller 16 is also connected to an external electric connector 19that is configured to connect to an external source of electrical power,e.g. the battery of a mobile phone (not shown). The external electricconnector 19 may in an embodiment also include an interface forinterfacing with a mobile device that takes over the control of theoxygen delivery device. The controller 16 is configured to use theexternal electrical power for recharging and the rechargeable battery 23and/or for directly powering the electrolysis process. Battery operationallows oxygen delivery when no or little sunlight is available.

Different type of Solar Cells have been developed over past decades,like silicon or relatively new organic dye sensitized solar cells onflexible/transparent substrates. Inherent conversion efficiency oftoday's ordinary solar cells is in range of 10-20%. The solar celltechnology is rapidly developing. There are very strong indications thatconversion efficiency will be further improved to higher levels as35-50%. The power of sunlight at sea level is about 1200 W/m2. Takinginto account ordinary solar cell conversion efficiency yields in a solarcell area of about S1=10×10 cm (100 cm2) capable to generateapproximately 2 W of electric power.

A relatively small amount of oxygen is required to provide noticeablybetter air quality by enhancing oxygen concentration in breathable air.Approximately 50 liters of oxygen gas per hour is consumed by anordinary adult. An improvement in oxygen concentration by 10% canalready make positive impact. This means that approximately 5 liter ofpure oxygen per hour substantially improves a person's psychophysicalcondition.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate an embodiment of the portable auction deliverydevice that is integral with a cap 20 that can be worn by a user. Thepower generating solar cells 22 (in flexible form or as a set of rigidcells) are placed on top of the cap 20 and sunshade 21 (total surfacecovered by solar cells is approximately 1000 cm2). Such cap concept iscapable to generate 10-20% oxygen enrichment in the breathable air infront of the user nose/mouth.

In the overall structure of the cap 20; there are two basic parts: thecover made of the solar cells 20 and the internal layer that forms awater containing cartridge. Below the solar cell layer there isexchangeable (and refillable) cartridge 24 at least partially filledwith water. The cartridge 24 is realized by using soft rubber/polymerlike materials which at the same time provide a soft coupling to theuser head. The cartridge 24 is physically divided into two separatedchambers (oxygen gas chamber 15 and hydrogen gas chamber 14) by aseparation wall 11 for oxygen and hydrogen generation, respectively. Atthe bottom of the cap a ring shaped channel 18 connects the chambers 12and 13. At the inner side of the cartridge there is a conductive surfacecoating (e.g. carbon or metallic coating) which serves as electrodesurface 12,13. The conductive surface can cover the complete interiorsurface of the cartridge (to maximize efficiency) but it is physicallyseparated providing two separated electrodes (anode 12/cathode 13).

When the cartridge 24 (and thus both chambers 14,15) is filled withwater, the electrodes 12, 13 powered by electric current fromilluminated solar cells (or from a not shown battery), the electrolysisprocess is started. Above the anode (+) oxygen 12 is generated which iscollected and exhausted at an outlet nozzle on top of the oxygenreceiving chamber 15.

At the chamber outlet there is a GoreTex® layer/filter 29 which preventswater from spilling into a flexible tubing that leads the oxygen gastowards the user. The GoreTex® filter 29 stops water but allows theoxygen gas to flow outside. Instead of Gore-Tex® another type of a gaspermeable filter capable of withholding water droplets can be used.

The oxygen gas is further transported by the flexible tubing 25 towardsa dispersing arm 26 where there is a gas flow regulator (not shown)allowing in the user to adjust the flow rate. The dispersing arm 26 isintegrated into the cap also and can be clipped up/down (depending onusage). The oxygen dispensing arm 26 ends in vicinity of the user's noseand mouth thereby enriching the breathing air just in front of theuser's nose and mouth. The dispensing arm 26 is designed to fit firmlyon the head's cap to allow for physical activities (moving, walking,running, etc). In parallel with oxygen gas certain amount of hydrogengas is generated in the key hydrogen receiving chamber 14 that receivesthe cathode. The hydrogen gas is released into the atmosphere through avent 28 that is also provided with a Gore-Tex® filter 29 or other a gaspermeable filter material capable of withholding water droplets.

Both the H2 vent 28 and the O2 outlet connections can bedetached/attached providing possibility to access both electrolysischambers for water refill.

FIGS. 4 to 7 illustrate another embodiment of the oxygen delivery deviceaccording to the invention. In this embodiment the oxygen deliverydevice is realized in the form of a vest 30 which takes advantage of alarger available surface on the vest. A solar cell covered vest canprovide a sufficient amount of electrical power for a higher level ofoxygen generation. The available service on the vest can be large,approximately 5000 cm² (or even larger like solar cell coat). Theexchangeable water cartridge 10 is realized in the form of a vest pocket32. The cartridge 10 has a lid 34 that allows the user to refill thecartridge 10 with water. Alternatively, user can exchange the cartridge10 after use. The cartridge 10 is kept into the vest pocket and can beexchanged or filled (depending on user situation and conditions).

The produced oxygen gas is transported via flexible tubing 25 to theoxygen dispensing arm 26. In this embodiment the oxygen dispensing arm26 is an integral part of a pair of glasses or spectacles 37. The pairof glasses or spectacles 37 could be a pair of sunglasses or otherglasses that do not have any optical lens effect.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart of the method according to an embodimentof the invention. In the first step 50 a portable solar drivenelectrolysis device is provided. The electrodes device is configured tosplit water into oxygen gas and hydrogen gas. In the next step 52 theoxygen gas is collected and transported towards an area in the vicinityof the user's mouth and nose. The following step 54 includes deliveringthe oxygen gas in the vicinity of the user's mouth and nose.

Usage Scenario

The portable oxygen delivery device can be carried by a user outside onhighly urbanized/busy streets, on the way and in the office; even withuser being in athletic activities; by a mobile user; used at home; usedfor stressful times, and of course to help user to alleviate a headache.The portable oxygen delivery device is designed to fit firmly highoperational autonomy and mobility (water and sunlight can be freelyfound almost everywhere).

The portable oxygen delivery device is great for anyone who participatesin mountain activities including; skiing, mountain climbing, off road ordistance biking, rock climbing, trail running, and hiking. Travelers canalso greatly benefit by using the portable auction delivery device. Apossible application includes usage before and after air travel. Anotherapplication is stress removal. The portable oxygen delivery device 1 canbe used at work to get the competitive edge and keep better focus.Further, no bacteria or virus can survive in an oxygen enrichedenvironment which means that the portable oxygen delivery device can beused to minimize infection probability while commuting in denselypopulated areas (bus, tram, metro or other crowded areas).

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a mobile device according to an embodiment ofthe invention. The mobile device 200, in this embodiment a mobile phone,has a housing, a display 203, speaker 204 and a keypad 205. Theoperation of the mobile phone 200 is controlled by a controller 218. Thecontroller is connected to the display 203, to the speaker 204, to thekeypad 205, to the microphone 206, to a transmitter, to a receiver unit220 and to a rechargeable battery 224. The mobile phone 200 furtherincludes sensors 210 and an external device interface 230 that are bothconnected to the controller 218.

The external device interface 230 is suitable for interfacing with anexternal device like the portable oxygen delivery device 20. Theexternal device interface 230 is suitable for controlling the operationof the external device that is connected to the mobile phone 200. Thecontroller 218 is configured to control the operation on the externaldevice when such an external device is connected to the mobile phone200. In particular, controller 218 can be configured to control theoperation of the portable oxygen delivery device, i.e. starting andstopping the electrolysis process in accordance with circumstances. Thecontroller will take into account status of the mobile phone 200 andcontrol the portable oxygen delivery device accordingly. In particular,the control can control the operation of the portable auction deliverydevice in accordance with receipt of a messages or a command string froma remote device or service. Such a service maybe located at a hospital,or maybe a server that monitors the data on air quality at the actuallocation of the mobile phone 200.

In an embodiment the mobile phone 200 is provided with sensors 210 thatare connected to the controller 18. The sensors 210 deliver real-timesignal to the controller 218. The real time measurements delivered bythe sensors include one or more of: place (actual position), ambient airquality, ambient air pollution level, ambient air oxygen level,temperature, ambient air pressure, altitude, user heart rate and userbreathing rate.

In response to this signal or these signals the controller 218determines to start or stop the oxygen production process.

The external device interface 230 may in an embodiment also include aconnection for establishing a circuit that directs current from thebattery to a 24 in the mobile phone 200 to the external device. Thus,the mobile electric device 200 can be used to power the portable oxygendelivery device 20, and to recharge the rechargeable battery 23 in theportable oxygen delivery device.

Invention has been disclosed as integrated in a cap or vest, but it isunderstood that it could be integrated in any other garment that can beworn or carried by user.

The invention has numerous advantages. Different embodiments orimplementations may yield one or more of the following advantages. Itshould be noted that this is not an exhaustive list and there may beother advantages which are not described herein. One advantage of theinvention is that it allows for autonomous oxygen delivery. It isanother advantage of the invention that it allows for an oxygen deliverysystem that is mobile and lightweight. It is also an advantage of theinvention that it allows a for an oxygen delivery system that can beintegrated into a garment. It is a further advantage of the inventionthat it allows for an oxygen delivery system that has low operationalcosts. It is further advantage of the invention that it allows for anenvironmental friendly oxygen delivery system. It is another advantageof the invention that it allows for achieve more satisfying health andwellbeing level of a user. It is a further advantage of the inventionthan it can support extensive activities including skiing, backpacking,and camping, hiking, mountain biking, cycling and climbing. Anotheradvantage is provided by miniaturization possibility offered by thepresent invention since liquid is the source of the oxygen (18 grams ofwater contains 25 liters of gaseous oxygen at atmospheric pressure)which offers huge potential for miniaturized portable applicationconcepts and improved safety regulations (oxygen generated/consumed onuser demand not stored in heavy bottles in gaseous phase).

The term “comprising” as used in the claims does not exclude otherelements or steps. The term “a” or “an” as used in the claims does notexclude a plurality.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention tothose features of the invention believed to be of particular importanceit should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respectof any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbeforereferred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particularemphasis has been placed thereon. Moreover, it should be appreciatedthat those skilled in the art, upon consideration of the presentdisclosure, may make modifications and/or improvements on the apparatushereof and yet remain within the scope and spirit hereof as set forth inthe following claims.

1-38. (canceled)
 39. A device, comprising: an energy source coupled toan electrolysis unit configured to split water into oxygen gas andhydrogen gas; and an oxygen dispensing conduit coupled to saidelectrolysis unit, said conduit being configured to transport saidoxygen gas produced to an area near the users nose and mouth and saidconduit being configured to release said oxygen gas produced in saidarea near the users nose and mouth.
 40. A device according to claim 39,wherein said energy source comprises at least one solar cell.
 41. Adevice according to claim 40, wherein said at least one solar cell isintegrated into a garment.
 42. A device according to claim 40, whereinsaid at least one solar cell is flexible.
 43. A device according toclaim 40, further comprising at least one of a rechargeable battery andcapacitor, wherein said at least one solar cell is configured forharvesting solar energy stored in said at least one of said capacitorand said battery and released on user demand.
 44. A device according toclaim 41, wherein said garment is one of a jacket, a vest, a cap a beltand a backpack.
 45. A device according to claim 39, wherein saidelectrolysis unit comprises a water container with two gas receivingchambers.
 46. A device according to claim 45, wherein each gas receivingchamber has at least one electrode.
 47. A device according to claim 45,wherein said water container is an exchangeable cartridge.
 48. A deviceaccording to claim 45, wherein said container is refillable.
 49. Adevice according to claim 39, wherein said electrolysis unit isintegrated into a garment.
 50. A device according to claim 40, whereinsaid solar cells are connected to said at least one of said capacitorand said battery for charging said at least one of said battery and saidcapacitor.
 51. A device according to claim 39, wherein said electrolysisunit is selectively connectable to at least one of said battery and saidcapacitor.
 52. A device according to claim 39, further comprising anelectrical connector for allowing at least one of said electrolysisunit, said battery and said capacitor to be connected to an externalsource of electrical power.
 53. A device according to claim 39, whereinsaid dispensing conduit is connected to said outlet of the gas receivingchamber that contains one of the anodes of said electrodes.
 54. A deviceaccording to claim 53, wherein a filter is disposed at said outlet. 55.A device according to claim 39, further comprising a gas flow regulatoradapted to regulate the release of oxygen towards the user.
 56. A deviceaccording to claim 39, further comprising an oxygen dispensing arm in anupstream portion of said dispensing conduit.
 57. A device according toclaim 56, wherein said oxygen dispensing arm is integrated into a bodygarment.
 58. A device according to claim 56, wherein said dispensing armis integrated into at least one of a cap and spectacles.
 59. A deviceaccording to any of claim 39, wherein the dispensing conduit comprisesflexible tubing between said electrolysis unit and said oxygendispensing arm.
 60. A device according to claim 45, further comprising ahydrogen gas release vent coupled to the gas receiving chamber thatcomprises one of the cathodes of said electrodes.
 61. A, comprising:providing a portable electrolysis device that is configured to splitwater into oxygen gas and hydrogen gas, collecting said oxygen gas andtransporting it towards an area in the vicinity of the users mouth andnose, and delivering the oxygen gas in the vicinity of the users mouthand nose.
 62. A mobile device comprising a controller, said mobiledevice being provided with an interface for connecting to a portableoxygen delivery device and said mobile device being configured forcontrolling the operation of a portable oxygen delivery device.